Engaging the Community

Every third Friday at 7:30 a.m.

This monthly program features Missouri State University President Clif Smart discussing the implications of national and international events on the University and local community. Join us as we look at current events and public affairs through a local lens. You can also email topic suggestions for this program.

Ways to Connect

For many college students across the country, last Tuesday’s election was the first in which they could cast a ballot for U.S. president. But it’s likely not the first time they’ve influenced decisions on leadership and policy. On campuses across the country, students help drive these outcomes in a variety of ways. At Missouri State University, engagement in the democratic process is encouraged through its Public Affairs Mission, according to President Clif Smart. He says, “I do think it’s...

Nearly a year after renewing its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, Missouri State University says it’s moving forward on various recommendations that came in the HLC’s final report. The commission applauded the school for efforts relating to its public affairs mission, quality programs and a transparent budget, among other areas. It also issued several recommendations for improvement, including a continued focus on developing a fully inclusive multicultural environment. In...

Enrollment growth at colleges and universities can be attributed to an institution’s advancements across a variety of platforms. While this boost is generally welcome by school administrators, more students on campus may require changes to accommodate everyone. At Missouri State University over 700 more students are attending this year than last and about 2,500 more than five years ago. Many of those changes are evident through construction projects and the hiring of additional faculty and...

Higher education institutions are among the businesses facing big changes to their payroll structures on Dec. 1, the day new requirements to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) kick in. Specifically, the new rule increases the minimum annual salary for exempt employees from $23,660 to $47,476. “We have a lot of people that make more than $23,000 but less than $47,500 that are in that managerial responsibility and so we’ve gotta figure out how we’re gonna handle that,” said MSU President Clif...

Late August is when many of the bills passed this session by the Missouri Legislature and signed into law by the governor go into effect. That could mean changes for state businesses and organizations. For Missouri State University, more than half a dozen bills will require action on the school’s part to be in compliance with new law. “There were probably several dozen bills that would impact higher education in one way or another that were filed, many of which got hearings and frankly many...